The Leeds Grand Theatre is home to Ghost The Musical for the next fortnight. Based on the hit 1990 film starring Patrick Swayze and Demi Moore, the story follows the plight of Sam Wheat after he is gunned down in front of his fiancée, Molly Jensen. Trapped in limbo between heaven and hell, Sam begins to haunt his murderer and uncovers a plot which threatens Molly’s life. With no means to affect change in the living world, Sam takes charge of reluctant psychic Oda Mae Brown to help save the love of his life.

The original film is classic schmaltz, with a large and dedicated fanbase. It is perhaps considered cheesy by today’s standards, brimming full of clichés and romantic stereotypes, but in many ways Ghost defined the clichés which were to follow and left an indelible gallery of iconic imagery; The Righteous Brothers’ Unchained Melody, dubbed over an eroticised spinning potter’s wheel, is parodied as much as it is celebrated. However, beneath the pulpy romance is a story of adventure and comedy, elements which Ghost The Musical greatly capitalises on.

Cast: Jessica Hayles, Naveed Khan, Karina Sugden, Gareth Taylor, Anna Tierney, Russell Woodhead Director: Jack Lowe Writer: Curious Directive Theatre: West Yorkshire Playhouse Duration: 85 minutes After The Rainfall arrives at the West Yorkshire Playhouse this month following a successful run on the Edinburgh Fringe. Following four stories that intertwine over seventy years, the play demonstrates how worlds collide and are inevitably influenced by politics, literature and technology.The narrative follows four definite strands. In 1952 Edward is completing a reconnaissance mission with the help of Ishak, a self-taught pilot, over the Egyptian desert. Meanwhile in 1986, Claire is sculpting in Cumbria and awaiting an offer from University, whilst in 2013 Rashia is on a pilgrimage across Europe. Finally 2022 introduces us to John, who is promoting his popular science book about the society of ants in relation to human behaviour. These disparate stands have little relationship at the beginning of the play, however their threads gradually converge, influencing one another through past and future echoes.

Cast: Abigail Jaye, Dani Harmer, Sam Attwater, Philip Franks, Kristian Lavercombe, Ceris Hine, Oliver Thornton, Harry Neale, Joel Montague, Henry Davis, Christos Dante, David Gale Director: Christopher Luscombe Writer: Richard O’Brien Theatre: Leeds Grand Theatre Duration: 115 minutes The Rocky Horror Show stops off at The Leeds Grand Theatre this month as part of its celebratory 40th anniversary tour. Conceived in 1973 by Richard O’Brien, the show ran continuously in the West End until 1980, winning critical acclaim. In 1975 a movie adaptation cultivated a cult following and contributed to an enduring legacy which continues to this day, supported by a legion of passionate fans.The sci-fi musical is a loving parody of 1950s B-movie fare, following the journey of Brad and Janet as they stumble upon the mansion of Dr. Frank-N-Furter, a sex-crazed transvestite-scientist. Revealing his plan to build himself a muscled man to satisfy his burning desires, Brad and Janet attempt to escape but soon become embroiled in a strange triangle of sex, horror, aliens and rock ‘n roll.